Job Description
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Strategic Advisor, the Senior Protocol and Liaison Associate support IOM Syria’s official engagement with national authorities and relevant counterparts, the incumbent will be responsible for:
Responsibilities
- Support day-to-day liaison and coordination with relevant government ministries, technical departments, and designated liaison officers, in coordination with the supervisor.
- Assist in maintaining regular communication with national counterparts on matters related to IOM activities, staff movements, and missions.
- Support protocol arrangements for official meetings, visits, and engagements involving senior IOM staff and external counterparts.
- Draft and process routine official correspondence, including notes verbales, letters, and follow-up communications in Arabic and English.
- Support the preparation and submission of requests related to travel permits, mission clearances, visas, and other administrative authorizations required for IOM operations.
- Conduct systematic follow-up with relevant authorities to facilitate timely processing and approval of requests.
- Maintain organized and up-to-date records of approvals, correspondence, and access-related documentation
- Maintain and regularly update liaison contact lists, protocol records, and access tracking tools.
- Support the supervisor in preparing briefing notes, summaries, and internal updates related to access, protocol, and liaison matters.
- Assist in collecting and consolidating access-related information from internal teams and field locations.
- Contribute to periodic access and liaison reports, highlighting trends, challenges, and follow-up actions.
- Handle, archive, and protect of sensitive information and official communications in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
- Flag emerging access or protocol issues to the supervisor in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma with six years of relevant experience; or,
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Law, or a related field from an accredited institution with four years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Experience in protocol, liaison, administration, or coordination roles, preferably with international organizations, UN agencies, or governmental institutions.
- Demonstrated experience interfacing with government authorities in Syria, including line ministries or technical departments.
- Familiarity with national administrative procedures, official correspondence, and protocol practices.
- Prior experience supporting humanitarian access, staff movements, or mission coordination is an advantage.
- Experience handling confidential information and official documentation.
- Previous experience with the UN system or international NGOs is desirable.
- Good understanding of the Syrian institutional and administrative environment.
Skills
- Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong organizational and coordination skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to maintain accurate records, trackers, and filing systems for operational and programme documentation.
Practical understanding of project operations, including coordination with implementing partners and field teams.
Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and follow up on pending actions in a structured manner.
- Strong drafting skills in Arabic and English, particularly for official correspondence.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Strong organizational and follow-up skills with attention to detail.
- Knowledge of the UN System and advantage.
Languages
- For all applicants, fluency in English and Arabic is required (oral and written).
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)
- Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
- Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
- Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
- Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
Notes
- Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
- This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
- This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
- IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
- IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)Initial Contract Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: General Service
Grade: G-6
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: Yes
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